About Levolin 50 mcg Inhaler
Levolin 50 mcg Inhaler contains Levosalbutamol 50 mcg/dose. Levosalbutamol (also called levalbuterol) is a short-acting bronchodilator inhaler. It quickly opens the airways and is used as a 'reliever' for wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness in asthma and COPD. It starts working within minutes. If you need it more often than usual, your condition may not be well controlled.
Uses of Levolin 50 mcg Inhaler
- Quick relief of wheezing and breathlessness in asthma
- Relief of breathing symptoms in COPD and other conditions with narrowed airways
- Preventing wheezing brought on by exercise, as advised by the doctor
Benefits
In asthma and COPD
It relaxes the muscles around the airways within minutes, making it easier to breathe during an attack or flare-up.
Side effects
Shakiness and a fast heartbeat are common and usually pass quickly. Talk to your doctor if they bother you.
Common
- Shaking (tremor), usually of the hands
- Fast heartbeat or palpitations
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Muscle cramps
Get medical help if you notice
- Sudden wheezing straight after using it — seek medical help at once
- Chest pain, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat — seek medical help
- Muscle weakness or cramps — may be low potassium; contact your doctor
- Breathing that does not improve after using it, or needing it much more often — get medical help promptly
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or throat — seek emergency care
How to use
Use it exactly as your doctor prescribed, when you need it. Shake the inhaler, breathe out fully, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, press once while breathing in slowly and deeply, then hold your breath for about 10 seconds. Wait about a minute before a second puff if one is advised. A spacer may help.
How it works
Levosalbutamol stimulates beta-2 receptors in the muscles of the airways, making them relax so the airways open up.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction known.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. Good asthma control in pregnancy is important.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It is not usually a problem, but it can cause shakiness or dizziness in some people. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
This medicine is used when needed. If your doctor has told you to use it regularly and you miss a dose, use it when you remember. Do not double the dose.
Quick tips
- Always carry it with you.
- If you need it more than usual, see your doctor — your preventer treatment may need to change.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, an overactive thyroid or diabetes.
- Ask your pharmacist to check your inhaler technique.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Sympathomimetic amine (R-enantiomer of salbutamol)
- Therapeutic class
- Respiratory
- Action class
- Short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Beta-blockers such as propranolol | Can block its effect and cause wheezing |
| Water tablets (diuretics), steroids and theophylline | May lower blood potassium |
| MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants | May increase effects on the heart and blood vessels |
| Other stimulant-type medicines, including decongestants | May add to fast heartbeat and nervousness |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Levosalbutamol inhaler prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); US FDA labelling: levalbuterol inhalation aerosol). Pharmacist review pending.